Rajasthan Tourism launches Heritage on Wheels

Rajasthan Tourism will start a new luxury train 'Heritage on Wheels' on February 17. This train is much similar to 'Palace on Wheels' in looks and services but will be much more affordable which targets mainly foreign tourists. Heritage on Wheels originally named as Orient Express, was earlier used by the Gujarat government to promote tourism in the state.

The state government had abandoned the train project more than a year ago and was lying unused since than at Mansar, said Vinod Zutshi, secretary of Rajasthan tourism who was in the city to promote tourism.

This train along with domestic and foreign tourists will also target high end corporates. Also, Rajasthan Tourism is starting second Palace on Wheels and organising the country's first hot air balloon festival to promote tourism.

"Heritage on Wheels will kick off from February 17. We have got the contract for this season till May, which can be renewed. It will make two trips in a week, with a 104 seat capacity," Zutshi said.

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Board (RTDB) decided to renovate the train that will cost a few lakh and used it. It will travel to various tourist destinations including Jaipur, Bikaner and Gajner, in its three day trip.

"Indian Railways have signed an MoU with RTDB on February 1 to use the train. The contract is 56:44, similar to that of Palace on Wheels," he added. The cost of the trip varies from Rs 6,500 to 12,500 per day per person. RTDB will do the marketing, house keeping, provide manpower and all services that a hotel provides, Zutshi said.

Following the success of Palace on Wheels, which is booked till 2009, RTDB is starting another Palace on Wheels this week, he informed.

To promote adventure tourism, Rajasthan tourism is also organising the country's first hot air balloon festival from 16th of this month. About 20 participants from 12 countries are expected to take part in the ten day festival. He also informed that domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased from 160 lakh and 9.7 lakh to 187 and 11 lakh respectively.

RTDC has also signed an MoU with Gujarat Tourism Development Corporation for tourist bookings.

Rajasthan is also organising its second Rajasthan day festivals. He also added that various initiatives like expansion and developments of airports including Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer and Kota airports promoting new hotel policy, rural development, wedding development, making Rajasthan 'all year and all day' tourist destination are being taken up.